VOLUNTEER CATALYST
On April 10, 2025, neighbors from across Gulfport gathered at the Monday Morning Club for a dynamic evening of connection, collaboration, and community building. Hosted by Gulfportlandia, the Volunteer Catalyst event brought together residents who care deeply about strengthening local volunteerism and building a more connected, resilient community.
The evening began with informal mingling and reflection. Participants were invited to respond to “Parking Lot” poster prompts placed around the room and asked the questions:
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How do you usually find/share volunteer opportunities?
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Why do you volunteer?
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What barriers make it difficult to get involved as a volunteer?
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Where/how have you volunteers (locally)?
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What makes you say "yes" to a volunteer opportunity?
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I want to learn more about volunteering at ...
Click through to see attendees answers:
These early reflections sparked meaningful conversations and helped set a tone of openness and collaboration. After a brief introduction and intention setting, attendees moved into small groups to explore a set of key questions:
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What local issues matter most to you?
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Where are the gaps in volunteering or unmet needs in the community?
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What kind of support do volunteers, or those coordinating them, need in order to show up and succeed?
Click through TO hear group recaps:
Each group reported their insights back to the full room, surfacing themes such as the need for centralized communication, more inclusive outreach, and better alignment between skills and opportunities. See below for video recaps of the groups.
A special highlight of the evening was the Speed Pitch Round, where local organizers and neighbors shared one-minute pitches for their current projects. Each pitch included a clear request for help. These projects will be posted in a shared space Centralized Volunteer Database (COMING SOON) to keep the momentum going and make it easier for others to get involved moving forward.
The event also benefitted from the visible support of local leadership. Two City Council members and the Assistant City Manager were present, actively listening and encouraging community-led solutions. Their presence reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening volunteerism and improving pathways for civic participation.
This effort marks an exciting next step toward making volunteering more accessible and impactful across the city.
By the end of the night, the room was buzzing with new ideas, fresh inspiration, and the beginnings of a shared vision. The Volunteer Catalyst event confirmed what many already knew. Gulfport is full of people who care deeply, show up for one another, and are ready to build something great, together.
NEXT STEPS:
Gulfportlandia is seeking a project chair and steering committee to develop a centralized volunteer databank. If interested, please send us a message!